David Geslak, whom I have already mentioned , was co-founder of Right Fit-Sport Fitness Wellness, a suburban Chicago fitness facility that serves children with special needs.
Suzanne Moore Gray is the current CEO and other founder of Right Fit in Willowbrook, Illinois. Right Fit’s unique state-of- the-art facility is the backdrop for ‘Raise the Bar’, a nationally recognized fitness program designed specifically for youth and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The ‘Raise the Bar’ Fitness Program was awarded Club Industry 2010 Best Children’s Program…
…Suzanne Gray created Right Fit’s ‘Raise the Bar’ program… She used the idea that simple motor skills associated with ‘play’ could help children with autism spectrum disorders gain body awareness and muscle strength.
Gray’s program incorporates seven a-la-carte interchangeable movement experiences that are fun and success-oriented. There are eleven Right Fit exercises that include arm ‘bar’ raises, toe touches and a focus on breathing and posture. ‘Raise the Bar’ expanded the program off-site and offered it as a summer fitness camp. Participants were given a pre- and post sensory motor screen and postural fitness assessment. Using these tools to evaluate if a student improved from their previous state, Right Fit was able to see positive results after just one camp session. Those results included better eye contact, improved balance, strength, endurance, posture, increased attention, self confidence and more!
“In working with children with autism spectrum disorders, our goal is to limit aggressive and self-stimulating behavior and encourage positive behaviour,” says Gray. “These children love to move. And I believe that movement is the universal language that bridges barriers and enhances life.”
It is due to her passion for fitness and helping those with mental and physical challenges that makes Gray so devoted to Right Fit’s ‘Raise the Bar’ program. Using her award as a springboard, she hopes to expand the number of classes and participants in the next year. Gray has reached out to local schools and hospitals to educate others about how to incorporate fitness into the lives of children and families suffering from the challenges and obstacles of autism.
Mary Carol … says her son, Tommy, gets excited when its time to participate in the ‘Raise the Bar’ program. She says his training sessions “have improved his overall fitness and make him feel good about himself.”…
Some videos related to the ‘Raise the Bar’ program can be viewed here: Raise the Bar? - Autism Fitness Program | Right Fit - All-Inclusive Gym and Fitness Center ? For Athletes, Adults, & Children of All-Populations
Gray has also written a book called 101 Games & Activities for Youth With Autism , with the fitness activities and games in the book being based on the ‘Raise the Bar’ program.
Suzanne M. Gray has also recently released a DVD for the program, entitled Raising the Bar: Fitness & Movement Exercises for Youth and Adults with Autism …
…“The DVD demonstrates specific exercises parents and teachers can do with their children every day,” says Gray. “A structured routine is essential to improving the muscular imbalances and compensations, deficient motor skills, poor posture and other fitness pitfalls common among youth with autism. When you combine a fitness program with music and play, it enhances the way a child with autism responds to sensory information and it will boost independence, happiness and self-esteem.”…
(sources: Right-Fit News | Right Fit - All-Inclusive Gym and Fitness Center ? For Athletes, Adults, & Children of All-Populations ; New DVD Showcases Fitness Activities That Improve Socialization Skills For Children With… – WILLOWBROOK, Ill., June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – )